Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Marie Betts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayla Marie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Importance of My Mission as a Cosmetologist and Peer Support Specialist

In today’s world, the intersection of mental health, addictions, and self-care is increasingly recognized as crucial for overall well-being. My mission as a cosmetologist and peer support specialist is grounded in both experience and belief that everyone deserves access to both mental health support and the opportunity to feel good about themselves without feeling shamed.

Promoting Mental Wellness

As a peer support specialist, I provide a unique perspective by sharing my own experiences with mental health and addictions. This role allows me to create a safe and understanding space for individuals to express their struggles without judgment. I aim to empower my peers, offering them the tools and support they need to navigate their challenges. Mental health is often stigmatized, and by being open about my journey, I hope to inspire others to seek help and foster a sense of community.

The Power of Self-Care

In my role as a cosmetologist, I focus on providing affordable services that promote self-care and boost self-esteem. Per my experience, many individuals facing mental health challenges may neglect their appearance due to low self-worth or financial constraints. By offering accessible cosmetic services, I help my clients recognize the importance of self-care rituals in their healing process. Looking good can lead to feeling good, and this positive feedback loop is vital for mental wellness.

Bridging Two Worlds

Combining my expertise in both fields allows me to address mental health and self-image holistically. I believe that by enhancing one’s outer appearance, we can also uplift the inner self. My mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can feel valued and empowered, regardless of their circumstances.

Accessibility and Affordability

One of the core tenets of my mission is affordability. I am committed to making both mental health support/resources and cosmetology services accessible to all, particularly those who may be marginalized or struggling financially. By eliminating financial barriers, I strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of self-care and emotional support.

In summary, my mission as a cosmetologist and peer support specialist is to foster a community of healing and empowerment. By addressing both mental health and self-care, I aim to help individuals build resilience, improve their self-esteem, and ultimately lead healthier, happier lives. I believe that everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, and I am dedicated to making that a reality for my peers.

Kayla Marie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Brand: Empowerment Through Beauty and Healing

As a licensed cosmetologist since 2012, I have always viewed my work as more than just a profession—it’s a form of therapy for both my clients and myself. It is an art form. My passion lies in making people feel special, both inside and out. I believe that beauty and self-care are integral to overall well-being, and I strive to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood.

Meaningful Connections

Through meaningful interactions, I aim to foster genuine connections with my clients. I understand that many people walk through the door carrying their own stories and struggles. It is my mission to provide a safe space where they can express themselves, receive support, and leave feeling revitalized. Each appointment is not just about a haircut or a makeover; it’s about nurturing the soul. It’s about supportive community.

A Journey of Healing

After navigating my own in-depth mental health journey, I was honored to be selected for a grant through Mental Health America of Indiana. This opportunity allowed me to obtain certification in peer support recovery for mental health and addictions. This certification has deepened my understanding of the challenges many face and has equipped me with the tools to be a resourceful ally for those in need.

Holistic Approach

My brand is built on a holistic approach to health and wellness. I am passionate about sharing insights on gardening, holistic health, herbal medicine, and natural remedies. I believe that nurturing oneself extends beyond the salon chair. By promoting these practices, I encourage my peers to explore alternative avenues for healing and self-care.

Reducing Stigma

A core value of my brand is the commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. I strive to create open conversations about these topics, making it clear that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By sharing my own experiences and knowledge, I hope to inspire others to embrace their journeys and advocate for mental wellness.

Conclusion

In summary, my brand is a celebration of empowerment through beauty and healing. I am dedicated to creating a supportive community where individuals can explore their identities, nurture their mental health, and embrace holistic practices. Together, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of understanding and compassion.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When COVID-19 hit, it forced a significant pivot in both my business and personal life. As a licensed cosmetologist, I had dedicated years to building meaningful connections with my clients behind the chair. Suddenly, those long hours transformed into long days confined at home, and the vibrant community I cherished began to fade. The impact on my mental health was profound; I felt a deep sense of loss and isolation.

With my salon closed, I grappled with the feeling that my passion and hard work had been stripped away. The daily interactions that fueled my spirit were replaced by silence, and I found myself questioning my purpose. It was as if I had lost not only my job but a vital part of my identity. I felt devoid of resources and support, even as I had always positioned myself as an advocate for mental health, domestic abuse awareness, and sexual assault prevention.

In my advocacy, I focused on helping others break free from shame and isolation. However, during this time, I neglected my own needs. I realized that, despite my commitment to supporting others, I had disregarded the importance of being my own advocate. It was a challenging revelation, but it became a turning point in my recovery.

As I began to prioritize my own mental health, I learned the value of self-advocacy. I started exploring new ways to connect with my community, even from a distance—whether through virtual support groups, social media outreach, or sharing resources on mental wellness. This journey taught me that true advocacy starts from within and that caring for oneself is essential to truly support others.

Through this experience, I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. I became more determined to integrate my personal experiences into my work, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and community support. The challenges of the pandemic reshaped my mission, reminding me that resilience is born from vulnerability and that our journeys can lead to profound growth and testimony’s.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Post-COVID, everything I had worked so hard for—my career, my passion, self love, and my two beautiful daughters—felt painfully out of reach. The world had shifted beneath my feet, and I was left grappling with a profound sense of loss. My journey during this time was nothing short of soul-crushing.

In those darkest days, it was easy to feel overwhelmed by despair. I questioned my purpose and the value of my efforts. However, amid the struggle, I discovered a flicker of resilience within me—a deep-seated need to share my testimony and connect with others who were facing their own challenges. I realized that my journey, with all its ups and downs, was not just mine; it was meant to help others navigate their own paths.

This newfound purpose became my guiding light. I understood that my experiences, however painful, could serve as a beacon of hope for those feeling lost. I began to embrace the idea that resilience is not merely enduring hardship; it’s about transforming that hardship into a source of strength and inspiration.

Through sharing my story, I aimed to create a space where others could feel understood and supported. I wanted to show that healing is possible, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. My commitment to resilience became a driving force, motivating me to advocate for mental health, share insights, and foster a sense of community.

Today, I stand firm in my belief that my journey is a testament to the power of resilience. While the challenges of the past may have been daunting, they have shaped me into a stronger advocate and a more compassionate individual— A more personable cosmetologist. My purpose is to inspire others to find their own strength and to remind them that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @club_nirvana_recovery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/B9Uewh48zSSd8g5Y/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Stacy Samm Photography
Hippie And Spice Photography